Airbus' Quiet Giant

The Wall Street Journal's Daniel Michaels writes today (link - $$) about a sneak-preview flight for reporters on Airbus' massive A380. While recent news about the airplane has focused on the wiring problems causing lengthy delays in production, the plane is nearing readiness for commercial flight.

The biggest news in Michaels' report wasn't the size of the plane, or the design of its interior (where are they shoehorning those 853 seats, anyway?)--it was the noise inside the cabin--or lack thereof.

Writes Michaels, "Its cabin remains far quieter than almost any jetliner flying today. Even seated by a window, passengers can hear conversations rows away, a feature which can be disconcerting."

What will we do without the roar of engine noise filling our ears on an overseas flight?

(Photo courtesy of Airbus media center)

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